Substance Use Counselor (Clinical Social Worker)

St. Louis County, MO; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A county health service is looking for a Substance Use Counselor in Clayton, MO, responsible for conducting assessments, providing counseling, and developing treatment plans. A Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling is required, along with licensure as an LCSW or LPC. Competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and paid leave are offered.

Benefits

Health insurance

4 weeks of Paid Time Off

11 paid holidays

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Professional Counselor (LPC).
• Prefer experience working with adult and pediatric patients.

Responsibilities

• Conduct drug and alcohol assessments.
• Provide counseling in individual or group settings.
• Develop and implement treatment plans.

Skills

Substance use counseling

Crisis intervention

Patient advocacy

Therapeutic communication

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling

Job description

Overview

The Substance Use Counselor conducts comprehensive drug and alcohol assessments to determine appropriate treatment options and level of care required for patient recovery. Provides substance use counseling either individually or in group sessions to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Assists in overcoming dependencies and adjusting to life changes. Will provide education and training with relapse prevention and urge reduction techniques. Encourage and support patients with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse.

Work Location

The home base for this position will be the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in Clayton, working with individuals in the County jail. This position will also work in all three of the Department of Public Health Clinics: John C. Murphy in Berkeley, North Central Community Health Center in Pine Lawn, and the South County Health Center in Sunset Hills.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients for substance use disorders and evaluate to determine the most appropriate level of care and treatment support needed.
• Make referrals, when determined appropriate, and support patient access to treatment and needed services.
• Provide substance use counseling and interventions either individually or in group sessions to promote recovery and good behavioral and mental health.
• Develop and implement patient treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
• Use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to work collaboratively with patients to support their treatment and recovery.
• Monitor patients’ use of medication in collaboration with medical providers and/or psychiatrists.
• Perform crisis interventions with patients and act as a patient advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Stay abreast of new developments in counseling; read professional literature, attend courses and seminars; establish a rapport and maintain contact with other social service agencies.
• Work with health center staff to educate them on therapeutic communication and effective client interaction.
• Maintain excellent interpersonal skills, able to work independently as well as within a team and represent DPH professionally both internally and externally.
• Submit reports on patient outcomes and productivity.
• Complete all patient documentation in the Electronic Medical Record according to DPH standards.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance.
• Serve on DPH committees and work groups as assigned.
• Actively participate in patient huddles with other team members.
• Perform additional duties as determined needed for this job class.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling and a minimum of one year of related counseling experience or any equivalent combination of experience and post-graduate training.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• L icensure by the State of Missouri as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Professional Counselor (LPC) must be obtained prior to completion of a six-month probationary period.
• Prefer experience working with adult and pediatric patients.

Benefits and Salary

Annual starting salary: $64,480. Benefits include affordable health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 4 weeks of Paid Time Off in the first year, 11 paid holidays, a deferred benefit retirement plan, paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability. A full listing of benefits is available under the benefit tab at the top of the page.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

In support of health, safety, and wellness, all newly hired employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Acceptable forms of proof include CDC vaccination cards, documentation from a health care provider, electronic health record, or state immunization information system record. New employees must be fully vaccinated prior to starting service. The meaning of “fully vaccinated” is subject to change per CDC guidelines. Exemptions or reasonable accommodations may be requested for medical or religious reasons, which may require wearing facial coverings and weekly COVID-19 testing.

How to Apply

Applicants interested in applying for this position should visit our website at the following online portal. We only accept online applications.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Civil Service Commission of St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veterans’ status, or political affiliation. For more information, call the Division of Personnel at [phone].

St. Louis County
Division of Personnel, 7th Floor
Clayton, MO 63105
[phone]
Relay MO 711 or 800-735-2966
An Equal Opportunity Employer